Morrison-Rockwood State Park, located 32 miles southeast of Savanna, offers wooded camping with sites spaced around several loops. The park sits at approximately 700 feet elevation with a small 77-acre lake as its centerpiece. Campers should prepare for temperature swings typical of the region, where summer highs reach 85°F and overnight lows can drop 20-25 degrees.
What to do
Explore backwaters by boat: Rock Creek Marina and Campground provides access to Mississippi River backwaters with kayak and canoe rentals for exploring the riverine ecosystem. "The grounds are on backwaters of the Mississippi so there are boat ramps, docks, and areas to fish. The camp store also offers canoe, kayak, and other boat rentals," notes Chris F.
Visit educational centers: The Eco Center at Rock Creek Marina and Campground showcases local wildlife and offers naturalist programs. "Gorgeous surrounding, something for everyone. Environmental center for kids and adults alike and a cafe," explains Crystal R. The center features native animals and a large fish aquarium.
Hiking opportunities: White Pines Forest State Park provides multiple trail options through pine forests. A camper shared, "There are a handful of trails around the park that allow you to do a variety of hikes (none of them are very long, so you can do a few different ones)." Some trails include stream crossings that appeal to families with children.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the generous site spacing at Morrison-Rockwood State Park. "If you want to spend a lot of your time just relaxing at camp, this is a great spot. Our site was huge, flat and private - no trouble finding flat ground to pitch the tent," says Amy R. The sites in several loops maintain good separation with mature trees providing shade and natural barriers.
Clean facilities: Shower buildings and restrooms receive regular maintenance at most campgrounds near Savanna. "The (and I cannot emphasize this enough) CLEANEST campground bathrooms I've ever seen! I'm not squeamish and have been camping for years so my expectations for campground bathroom cleanliness is well calibrated but these bathrooms (even the vault toilets!) were amazingly clean!" notes Stacie H. about Morrison-Rockwood.
Weekend entertainment: For social camping near Savanna, Timber Lake Resort organizes regular activities. "They had live music, loud live music Saturday night. To be fair, the music was made clear on their webpage. We were kind of close and didn't have to go to the stage area to hear it clearly. It was good music and it was fun. They have a margarita bar as well as a bags tournament," Jeff G. explains.
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience regular train traffic that may disrupt light sleepers. "Biggest issue is train tracks with trains running by very often. Maybe an hour or 90 minutes with none then there would be three in a very short period. Kind of like living next to an airport," reports Tony D. about Blanding Landing.
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds feature uneven terrain, particularly at White Pines Forest State Park. One camper observed, "Many of the campsites are sloped and some are sloped A LOT. This isn't obvious from the booking page." Bringing leveling blocks or carefully selecting sites is recommended.
Water conditions vary: Lake quality and water access can change seasonally. "It has rained and the little lake was dark brown and dirty," noted one Timber Lake visitor, while another mentioned, "The fishing was less than par." Water levels and clarity affect swimming and fishing opportunities throughout the season.
Tips for camping with families
Playground-adjacent sites: For families with young children, certain loops at Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park provide excellent playground access. "We had site 57 which is in a loop which goes around a playground. It was great for the kids who could go play and the sites in this loop provide plenty of space and privacy," shares Ben W. about a similar setup at Morrison-Rockwood.
Kid-friendly hiking: White Pines Forest State Park offers confidence-building trails for younger hikers. "We've gone camping here the last two Memorial Day weekends with our three kids currently aged 8, 6, and 3. The hikes are all very doable, there is a playground, ice cream at the lodge and a few wide open spaces for frisbee or playing catch. The hikes were confidence boosters for our kids," mentions Leah W.
Educational opportunities: The nature centers provide hands-on learning about local ecosystems. "The on site restaurant/bait shop/ boat rental was very convenient! Husband forgot to pack something and the little bait shop had what we needed," notes Stacie H. about facilities that combine recreation with education.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choosing the right site can make a significant difference in comfort for RV campers near Savanna. At Palace Campground, "If you get along the outsides you have a lot more privacy and better chance they will be level. If you aren't worried about sharing a conversation with your neighbor then you can pick anything," advises Scott M.
Dump station planning: During busy periods, dump stations can become congested. "The line to clean out the tanks was long and blocks the way in and out. The roads need repair, many potholes," shares Bill L. about Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park, suggesting early morning or late evening visits to avoid waiting.
Access roads: Some glamping options close to Savanna, Illinois have challenging entry points. "The rise angle to our space was almost too much to back in without dragging the bumper. Once in, the concrete pad was level," explains Jeff G. about Timber Lake Resort, highlighting the importance of approach angle awareness for larger rigs.
